News

Mahindra & Mahindra Partners with MSDE for Drone Didi Yojana, Empowering Women in Agriculture

• ByStartupStory     |    May 11, 2024

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has embarked on an innovative journey to empower women in agriculture through the flagship “Drone Didi Yojana.” This pioneering initiative aims to train 15,000 women across India as drone pilots for agricultural activities, fostering new opportunities in the farming sector.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Mahindra & Mahindra and MSDE, two pilot programs will be conducted at the National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI) in Hyderabad and Noida. The objective is to skill 500 women exclusively in the operation of drones for agricultural purposes.

Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “Aligned with our Rise philosophy, the Mahindra Group is committed to empowering women with the skills necessary to join the workforce and achieve financial independence. The pilot under the Drone Didi Yojana represents a first-of-its-kind convergence of women, farming, and technology.”

Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, echoed the sentiment, saying, “We are excited to announce our partnership with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., leveraging their agricultural expertise for comprehensive training. This collaboration advances our mission of upskilling women for nation-building, particularly through the successful implementation of the Drone Didi program in empowering women in emerging trades.”

The curriculum, approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), spans 15 days and will be delivered by Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) instructors at the NSTI centers. The program will cover essential aspects such as fertiliser sowing, crop monitoring, and seed sowing using drones.

Mahindra Group will provide the necessary infrastructure and equipment for the training, including simulation machinery, drones, simulator software, and trainers. MSDE will leverage its network to mobilize participation from local Women Self Help Groups and NGOs, ensuring grassroots engagement.

The outcomes of these pilot projects will inform the scaling up of the Drone Didi Yojana to other NSTIs and ITIs across the country, furthering the goal of empowering women in agriculture through technological innovation.

Follow Startup Story